Manusmriti in Law Faculty: Delhi University Rejects Proposal
Delhi University rejects the controversial proposal to include Manusmriti in syllabus of law faculty, facing backlash for its regressive views. Read more about the decision and reactions.
Delhi University has decided against including ‘Manusmriti’ in its law curriculum. The proposal aimed at updating the syllabus of the jurisprudence paper. But, it faced strong opposition from teachers’ groups. Here is a detailed summary:
Proposal Rejected by University
βͺοΈAnnouncement: On Thursday, Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh announced that the proposal to teach ‘Manusmriti’ in law courses was rejected. This decision affects the suggestion to include Manusmriti in Law Faculty.
βͺοΈInitial Suggestion: The Faculty of Law suggested changes to the jurisprudence syllabus. They proposed on the inclusion of readings from ‘Manusmriti’. This proposal to include Manusmriti in Law Faculty was met with considerable resistance.
Details of the Proposal
1. Proposed Texts:
βͺοΈThe Faculty of Law proposed two texts: “Manusmriti with Manubhashi” and the “Commentary of Manusmriti”.
βͺοΈThese texts were intended to be part of the course on Medhatithi’s Concept of State and Law. The inclusion of these texts would have been a significant change in the law curriculum, highlighting the role of Manusmriti in law faculty.
2. University’s Decision:
βͺοΈThe Vice-Chancellor stated that these texts and the amendments proposed were not approved.
βͺοΈHe confirmed that ‘Manusmriti’ would not be taught at Delhi University. This rejection marks the end of attempts to incorporate Manusmriti in law courses.
Opposition from Teachers
βͺοΈSwift Criticism: The proposal faced immediate backlash from a section of teachers. They were particularly concerned about the implications of including Manusmriti in law faculty.
βͺοΈRegressive Views: Teachers argued that ‘Manusmriti’ is regressive. It particularly shows bias against women and marginalized communities. This concern was central to the opposition against including Manusmriti in syllabus of law faculty.
Reaction from Teachers’ Groups
1. SDTF’s Stand:
βͺοΈThe Social Democratic Teachers Front (SDTF), backed by the Left, was particularly vocal in its opposition to Manusmriti.
βͺοΈSDTF wrote a letter to Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh. They expressed their concerns about the inclusion of Manusmriti in law faculty.
2. Letter to the VC:
βͺοΈThe letter was signed by SS Barwal, the general secretary, and S K Sagar, the chairperson of SDTF.
βͺοΈThey argued that ‘Manusmriti’ propagates a regressive outlook on the people’s rights. It undermines the rights of women and marginalized communities. This argument was a key reason for their objection to Manusmriti in law faculty.
3. Educational Impact:
βͺοΈThe teachers stated that including Manusmriti in law courses would be detrimental to the education and advancement of women and marginalized groups.
βͺοΈThey emphasized that the text opposes women’s education and equal rights in several sections. This makes it unsuitable for inclusion of Manusmriti in law courses.
Constitutional Concerns
βͺοΈAgainst Constitutional Principles: The teachers argued that introducing Manusmriti in law faculty goes against the basic structure and principles of the Indian Constitution.
βͺοΈProgressive Education System: The inclusion of such a text would contradict the aims of a progressive education system, reinforcing the opposition to addition of Manusmriti in law courses.
Conclusion
βͺοΈFirm Stand: Delhi University remains firm in its decision. ‘Manusmriti’ will not be part of the law curriculum. This decision ensures that decision to teach Manusmriti in law courses will not proceed.
βͺοΈCommitment to Progress: The university is committed to maintaining a progressive and inclusive education system, and rejecting ‘Manusmriti in Law Faculty’ is a part of this commitment.
By rejecting the proposal, Delhi University has responded to the concerns of its teachers and upheld its commitment to an inclusive education system.
